Cedar Rapids parking ramps give priority to green cars

Motorists who drive eco-friendly cars will have access to the best parking spots in downtown Cedar Rapids parking ramps. Two ramps, located on Third and Fourth Avenue, were damaged in last year’s flood. Sandy Pumphrey, with the Cedar Rapids Public Works Department, says city leaders wanted the renovations to include more sustainable features.

“One of the ways we’ve done that is just an inexpensive way…giving preferential parking to fuel-efficient vehicles,” Pumphrey said. The special parking designation signs will put in place soon. Pumphrey says the parking spaces will be located near exits. However, the new policy will not be enforced.

“It will simply be a kind of social pressure we’re looking to have here,” Pumphrey said. “If you have a huge truck that gets five-miles-per-gallon parking in a space like that, when you get back to your vehicle, you might get some looks from people around you or that kind of thing.” Cedar Rapids also plans to install charging stations in the ramps for electric cars.